A Relationship of Physical Properties with Rock Strength Under Specific Geological Conditions for Limestone and Marble, Khyber Region

Abstract

The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) is one of the input parameters mostly used in surface and underground designs. A literature review revealed that most of the empirical equations between UCS and Schmidt hammer rebound number (N) are not satisfactory because of the low coefficient of correlation. In most of the cases, a single formula is used for all types of rocks. In this study, a relationship UCS with N, slake durability, moisture content, and specific gravity has been developed for a particular limestone and marble deposit. These equations help to determine the strength of these deposits directly using N value and other properties. The UCS value increased with increasing N value, specific gravity, and slake durability. While the UCS value decreased with increasing moisture content. A relation between slaking cycles and slake durability index is also developed. In this study, the slake durability value decreased with increasing slaking cycles for both limestone and marble. The UCS showed a linear relationship with these physical properties.